British Foreign Office Report on Hong Kong Political and Economic Events Sparks Criticism and Condemnation

The British Foreign Office released the latest “Hong Kong Half Yearly Report”, documenting the important political and economic events that took place in Hong Kong in the second half of last year, British Foreign Secretary Cameron assured the Hong Kong community local that they were safe, and they also used the report to criticize last month’s “Regulations on the Protection of National Security” came into force.

British Foreign Secretary Cameron criticized in the introduction of the latest “Hong Kong Half Yearly Report” that Beijing’s implementation of the “Hong Kong National Security Law” in Hong Kong violates the “Sino-British Joint Declaration”. .

He said: “Under this legislation, political opposition has been almost completely eradicated. Dissent has become a crime. Civil society has been marginalized. Hong Kong and China’s governments.” People of little inclination.”

Ensuring the safety of the Hong Kong community in the UK

Cameron said Hong Kong police issued red notices for 13 people living abroad in the second half of last year, many of whom now live in the UK.

He said: “We will not tolerate any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK. Hong Kong’s National Security Law has no effect in the UK. No withdrawal agreement is effective we have with Hong Kong or China. I would like to thank the UK The Hong Kong community assures you that you are safe here.”

Cameron also said that the “Retention of National Security Order” came into force last month, this law which was rushed through the legislative process would likely not be compatible with human rights law between -national and inconsistent with the international standards that Hong Kong is committed to maintaining. , and will adversely affect Hong Kong people’s ability to exercise their rights and freedoms. He said he hoped the Hong Kong authorities would respect the rights and freedoms provided by the Basic Law, maintain a high level of independence, and work in accordance with international commitments. and legal obligations.

He repeatedly called on the Hong Kong government to release Jimmy Lai, the founder of Next Media and a British citizen, and urged Beijing to withdraw Hong Kong’s National Security Law.

UK human rights group calls for sanctions, extended visa scheme, trade office review

Benedict Rogers, chief executive of British human rights group Hong Kong Watch, said he welcomed the new report as a powerful review of ongoing violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

He urged Cameron to find that any use of the National Security Order was a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and to continue monitoring the situation in Hong Kong.

Rogers also asked Cameron to rein in relevant officials, extend the BN(O) visa program to people born before 1997, and review the diplomatic privileges and immunities of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. .

He said: “Without consequences, the Chinese Communist Party will not continue to violate the Sino-British Joint Declaration and other international legal obligations. The UK must ensure that the human rights situation in Hong Kong is improved, that political prisoners are not forgotten, and that strict measures are taken to prevent Beijing from completely infringing on Hong Kong’s freedoms . “

The governments of China and Hong Kong strongly condemn it

The Hong Kong government issued a statement strongly condemning the report. , and obviously meddling in Hong Kong affairs, which are China’s internal affairs, in an attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s expected prosperity and stability will be uncertain.

A statement from the spokesperson of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong said that although the British side accused Hong Kong of violating international human rights laws, they forgot that they had just adopted stricter national security . last year’s law, which further shows its hypocrisy.

The Chinese Embassy in the UK accuses the UK of ignoring the facts, confusing right and wrong, seriously interfering in China’s internal affairs, and seriously opposing to the basic norms of international relations.